Formlabs has consistently been at the forefront of desktop SLA 3D printing innovation. With the introduction of Dental SG resin, they are not just participating in the dental revolution, they are leading it. Dental SG, a Class 1 biocompatible resin, represents a significant leap forward, offering dental professionals the tools to deliver quicker, more precise, and more comfortable patient care. This article serves as a coalition of Formlabs guides, exploring the impact of Dental SG and other Formlabs materials on the dental industry.
Alt text: Close-up of a 3D printed dental drill guide created with Formlabs Dental SG resin, showcasing the precision and detail achievable for surgical applications.
The Dawn of Digital Dentistry with Formlabs
Traditional dental procedures often involve messy impressions and lengthy turnaround times. Formlabs, with its ecosystem of hardware and materials, is changing this paradigm. Dental SG resin enables dentists to 3D print customized drill guides and implants using digital scan data. This eliminates the need for uncomfortable putty impressions and reduces the waiting period for lab-created models.
The benefits are numerous:
- Increased Precision: Digital scans and 3D printing ensure a perfect fit for implants and surgical guides.
- Reduced Procedure Time: Faster creation of custom tools allows for quicker procedures.
- Improved Patient Comfort: Eliminating messy impressions and minimizing time spent in the chair enhances patient experience.
“When practitioners and researchers have the ability and access to develop incredibly precise tools for surgical applications, it opens up a new range of possibilities for the dental industry and for the medical science industry at large,” said Dávid Lakatos, Head of Product at Formlabs. “Formlabs is leading the way in helping to advance patient care by introducing solutions that enable personalized surgical planning and mass customization. Material innovation, like with the introduction of Dental SG, is a key driver in growing the adoption of digital dentistry powered by 3D printing.”
Formlabs Form 2: A Staple in Modern Dental Practices
The Formlabs Form 2 printer, known for its high resolution and build capacity, has become a popular choice among dental professionals. The introduction of Dental SG resin has further broadened its capabilities, allowing for the creation of biocompatible tools and surgical models directly in the dental office.
Alt text: A selection of dental models and surgical guides 3D printed with Formlabs Dental SG resin, illustrating the range of applications in digital dentistry.
Dr. Travis Bellicchi, a resident at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, uses Form 2 printers to create maxillofacial prosthetics. Dr. Michael Scherer has been utilizing Formlabs printers in his practice for surgical applications and dental training for years, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of this technology.
Dental SG Resin: A Game Changer for Implant Surgery
Dr. Scherer emphasizes the significance of Dental SG resin, stating:
“The addition of Dental SG Resin is a game-changer. Dental SG is poised to dramatically improve patient outcome of surgical procedures by making implant surgery faster, more precise, and ultimately more comfortable for the patient. Direct printing of surgical guides has traditionally required larger-scale 3D printers that are beyond the expense and comfort level of most dental laboratories and clinicians. The introduction of Dental SG Resin allows for benchtop surgical guide printing in dental offices and smaller dental labs.”
This statement highlights the accessibility and affordability that Formlabs brings to digital dentistry. Smaller dental labs and individual practitioners can now benefit from the precision and efficiency of 3D printing without the need for large, expensive equipment.
Alt text: Hands holding a 3D printed surgical guide made with Formlabs Dental SG resin, demonstrating its direct application in implant placement for enhanced surgical precision.
Beyond Dental SG: Other Formlabs Materials for Dentistry
While Dental SG resin is a groundbreaking innovation, Formlabs also offers a range of other materials that are valuable in dental applications. Updated and improved formulations of Clear, Black, Flexible, and Tough Resins provide options for various dental needs, from creating study models to manufacturing orthodontic appliances.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Materials Manager allows users to easily track resin consumption and switch between different materials, streamlining the workflow and maximizing efficiency. This enables dental professionals to explore diverse applications of 3D printing, further optimizing their practices.
The Future of Dentistry is 3D Printed
Formlabs, through its constant innovation and commitment to providing accessible, high-quality 3D printing solutions, is driving the future of dentistry. Dental SG resin, along with other Formlabs materials and the Form 2 printer, empower dental professionals to provide better patient care, improve efficiency, and expand their service offerings. The coalition of Formlabs guides provides a clear pathway for dentists to adopt and integrate these transformative technologies into their practices.
